Building connections
Each week, JCA's 2022 campaign focuses on a different theme. This week, it's culture, engagement and outreach.
One of the seven JCA-supported organisations working across culture, engagement and outreach is Stand Up, which is committed to creating connection and a better world.
Inspired by tikkun olam, Stand Up works towards a future where social justice action is an intrinsic part of the Jewish community. “We have this amazing opportunity to engage people with what they care about,” Stand Up president Dean Levitan said.
“People in the Jewish community care about tikkun olam and we want to connect their passion for community with tikkun olam at the same time. For JCA donors it means their dollars help create a more dynamic Jewish community.
“I think our community is stronger and it thrives when people from all walks of life can access their Jewish identity.”
The sector also includes Shalom, which facilitates the PJ Library and Adamama Farm programs. Participant in both, Dani Sheldon, a Moriah College graduate and former Community Security Group volunteer, said when she got married she felt there weren’t many options for communal connection. But that changed when her daughter was born and she signed up to receive PJ Library books from Shalom.
“This seemed to be the start of reconnecting back to the community for me and the connection for us as a young family,” Sheldon said.
Today, over 1200 families in Australia benefit from the program, with the NSW contingent proudly supported by JCA.
Sheldon and her family are also regulars at Adamama Farm, an organisation that provides another opportunity for them to connect with community while learning about sustainability.
“With playgrounds and parks being fitted out primarily with soft forms, our children don’t get the opportunity to feel the earth and get their hands dirty and come face to face with nature,” she said.
“The Adamama Juniors program is the perfect place for them to play as we did as kids.”
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